Observe Yom Kippur 2012 in Taylors

Yom Kippur is, in short, the holiest day of the year in Jewish religion and culture. It is also referred to as the “Day of Atonement,” and the tradition is to solemnly fast for repentance and atonement of sins.

Yom Kippur marks the end of the annual High Holy Day period (Sept. 16 to Sept. 26 in 2012), which begins with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. On Sept. 25, observation will begin at sunset.

Temple of Israel will hold a Kol Nidre Service at 8 p.m. Tuesday. A Yom Kippur family service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, followed by the morning service at 10:30 a.m. A Yizkor Service will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday. Break the fast meal at 6 p.m.

Chabad Greenville will hold a candlelighting service at 6:50 p.m. Tuesday at Hampton Inn, 15 Park Woodruff Drive, Greenville. Kol Nidrei services will begin at 7 p.m. On Wednesday, morning services will be held at 9:30 a.m., Yizkor Memorial Services at 11:30 a.m., Mincha and Neilah services at 5:45 p.m., Final Shofar Blowing at 7:30 p.m. and Break the fast with light meal at 7:57 p.m.

Yom Kippur falls annually on the 10th day of Tishrei, a month on the Hebrew calendar, which is nine days after the first day of Rosh Hashanah.

To observe Yom Kippur, one should eat and drink festively the day before—once early in the day and once later, before Kol Nidrei synagogue services. Then, for almost 25 hours, the day is spent in the synagogue without eating, drinking and other restrictions.

To observe the High Holy Days and holiday period before Kol Nidrei and after the Yom Kippur fast, many Jewish specialties are made. But there are a few staples that usually make their way onto the table. Try a honey cake or noodle kugel.